Michele Nielsen, curator of history and archives at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands, will give an informal gallery talk at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. The presentation, “Peek into the Museum’s Clothes Closet,” is free with museum general admission.

“The San Bernardino County Museum history division has a terrific costume and textile collection containing artifacts that are exhibited infrequently and for short periods of time due to their fragile nature,” said Nielsen. “This talk will give visitors the chance to see clothing and accessories up close and to learn more about how old they are, how they were worn, and what they are made out of.”

The gallery talk is part of a continuing series of presentations by museum curators to provide visitors with more insight about exhibits and current research at the museum. Michele Nielsen is the curator of history and archives at the San Bernardino County Museum. She is a graduate of the University of Redlands and is finishing her M. A. degree in American Studies at Claremont Graduate University. She is a resident of Redlands.

“By looking at hats, dresses, jackets, shoes and children’s clothing we can compare and contrast these typical clothes of the past with clothes we wear today. In many ways, there are similarities but there are interesting differences that help us to know more about life in the past,” Nielsen continued. “I will also talk a bit about how these treasures in the museum collections are stored, and how some of the storage techniques we use can be applied at home to preserve family heirlooms in our own closets.”

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (senior or student) and $4 (child aged 5-12). Children under 5 and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. Snacks and beverages are available at the museum’s Garden Café from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.

The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.